Each company can benefit from up to $30,000 for its project. The successful companies will also get the chance to work on advanced machinery at CCAT or at UConn.

Bob Torani of CCAT's Advanced Manufacturing Center said equipment like their five-axis CNC machine is often beyond the reach of most small companies. "A five-axis machine," he said, "is probably minimum $300,000, and some of the smaller companies may not have access to that. Certainly not our additive powdered metal machine, which is closer to a $1 million asset. This is making those resources available to small manufacturers, to jump start some creativity in their process."

It's the second year the program has been run. Last year, four small companies in Milford, Tolland, South Windsor, and North Haven took part.

The Commission on Connecticut's Future meets Monday morning to discuss economic renewal in the state. The commission is examining the manufacturing industry and defense-related industries along with environmental sustainability. A report is due to the governor by this time next year.